Q&A for How to Get Straight "A"s

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  • Question
    How do I know if I understand a topic?
    Ted Coopersmith, MBA
    Academic Tutor
    Ted Coopersmith is an Academic Tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company based in New York City. In addition to general academic advising, Ted has expertise in preparing for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, and ASVAB tests. He also has over 30 years of financial controller advising and consulting experience. He holds a BA from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MBA from Pace University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Try explaining a concept from class to a friend or family member. This exercise can indicate how well you understand the topic.
  • Question
    How can I be the best student in every subject?
    Community Answer
    Work hard, study, learn from students around you, and try your best. Sometimes being first place isn't as important as getting a solid education, so don't push yourself over the limit. It's very unlikely that you'll ever be able to be the best student in every subject, but you can still receive consistently impressive marks with hard work and dedication.
  • Question
    I tried most of these, but my grades are really low. What should I do? I'm really stressed about my grades and I need to get into a good university.
    Community Answer
    Before you take your exams, make sure you really know the material. Paying attention in class will not be enough. As soon as you know you have an upcoming exam, start studying an hour per night so you will be better prepared. Also, if you don't know something, ask! Even if you are embarrassed asking a question in front of your classmates, still ask your question, or if your teacher allows you to, stay after class and ask your questions. if you know you're really struggling with something, ask the teacher for extra help or hire a tutor.
  • Question
    Do I start my homework when I first get home or not?
    Community Answer
    It's your choice, but yes, I would recommend you do it right when you get home. This way you have the rest of the evening to decompress and relax and you'll get to bed at a reasonable hour. If you have a little time later in the evening, check over your work and make sure you didn't forget anything or make any mistakes.
  • Question
    I am in art class and I can't quit. When I have homework, my parents get mad at me if I don't have good ideas. I am stressed and I want to die.
    Community Answer
    Nobody should want to die over an art class. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. If your parents get upset, try calmly asking them for help or suggestions, or stay after class and ask your teacher for help. You will not be taking this class forever, so just do your best to get through it. Not everyone is great at art, so don't feel bad about yourself if it doesn't come naturally to you.
  • Question
    Everyone is telling me to go for art classes, but I've started in science, and am doing fine. Should I go for art classes?
    Community Answer
    If art is something that interests you, then you should certainly pursue it. However, if you're finding science more to your interest and are getting good grades, then stick with it!
  • Question
    I suck at taking tests and fail them most of the time, which drags my grade down a lot. What can I do to get good grades?
    Community Answer
    Study as soon as you hear about a test. Review over your notes, and if there is anything you don't understand, ask for somebody to clarify. You could also work in study groups.
  • Question
    I have a very tight schedule because of my extracurricular activities. When do I do my assignments? I told my teachers but they said they don't care!
    Community Answer
    If you literally don't have time to do your schoolwork, you'll need to quit one of your other activities. You can always go back to it again during the summer.
  • Question
    Why do I have to take notes?
    Community Answer
    So that you can review them later, and they will help you study for exams and retain the information down the line.
  • Question
    How do I ask reasonable questions?
    Community Answer
    Let it come naturally. Pay attention to what the teacher is saying, and when you hear something you find a little confusing, or just something you'd like to know more about, raise your hand and ask a question.
  • Question
    Will the grades on my test go on my report card?
    Zane Al-Hamwy
    Community Answer
    Though it might count towards your report card, one bad grade won’t affect your whole mark. Remember that the teacher would most likely give you assignments and other quizzes to improve your mark.
  • Question
    What happens if I do my homework, but it takes too long?
    Community Answer
    I would suggest working on it for a set amount of time, like 30 minutes, and increasing the number of exercises you try to do in that amount of time every few study sessions. Try not to hurry though as you might make more mistakes.
  • Question
    How can I study for all of my subjects so I am not staying up late?
    Community Answer
    Make a schedule/time table, listing all projects, assignments, tests, etc., and plan when you will do each task. Start working on your homework as soon as you get home from school and you shouldn't be up too late.
  • Question
    How to I concentrate on the lesson?
    Community Answer
    There are some great tips in wikiHow to Focus More in Class .
  • Question
    My teacher does not want to discuss my grades with me, she thinks I will tell everyone. How do I find out about my grades?
    Community Answer
    If your school has an online portal where this information is usually available, check there. If not, ask your parent to call the school and find out for you. Your teacher will definitely tell them about your grades if they ask.
  • Question
    How can I deal with unclear rubrics when my teacher will not clarify them when I ask?
    Community Answer
    Ask students that had the teacher last year for help. They can help explain what the teacher is looking for. Also, they may be able to provide an example using their work from last year. Don't copy it though!
  • Question
    What if I am tired and I do not want to do my homework?
    Community Answer
    Take a quick power nap for about 20-30 minutes and reward yourself after you have completed your homework.
  • Question
    I'm in middle school now, and there is this thing called "first honor" and "second honor." Can anyone explain what grades are needed to get first honor?
    Community Answer
    At my school, first honor would be all As and one B, second honor would be all As with up to 3 Bs.
  • Question
    How do I get a better grade in French?
    Community Answer
    Practice! I am also learning French, and I find the website Duolingo to be really helpful. You should check it out!
  • Question
    What if it's D and F at the end of the semester?
    Community Answer
    Then read this article and use the steps to work hard in your future classes.
  • Question
    Can I still get a bad grade if I understand the material?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It happens all the time, especially if you don't do your work, don't participate in class, don't study for tests, etc. It's also possible to THINK you know the material a lot better than you actually do.
  • Question
    How can I concentrate more on my homework?
    Community Answer
    Set aside a specific time each day to do your homework, and make sure that you are in a place that is distraction-free. Put away your phone or anything else that might distract you, and make sure that you are rewarding yourself for completing study goals each day.
  • Question
    What happens if you get more than 100% on a test?
    Community Answer
    You get an extra high five and some additional points toward a better GPA.
  • Question
    What should I do if I cannot focus on my science class?
    Community Answer
    You can talk to your teacher, and discuss what is distracting you. You can also make them aware of your specific needs or areas that need improvement in the class, and work with them so that you can both accomplish your academic goals.
  • Question
    I have a problem sleeping easily at night, can I use that time to read?
    Community Answer
    You can if it helps you fall asleep, but I wouldn't count on retaining much of the information you read before bed, as you'll probably be pretty drowsy.
  • Question
    How do I answer smartly in class whenever they ask me a question?
    Community Answer
    Focus and pay attention to the lecture. Study at home, and try to work ahead in the textbook if you have time. That way you'll be more likely to know the answers. Of course, keep in mind that nobody will know all of the answers all of the time.
  • Question
    What if I know the subject really well, but can't remember a thing when a test comes?
    Community Answer
    One of the most common mistakes is cramming at the last minute, so make sure you're studying ahead of time. Also, if you get nervous during the exam it is likely you will forget whatever you have reviewed. Take deep breaths, and try to calm your nerves at test time.
  • Question
    What should I do if I'm about to fail my classes?
    Community Answer
    There might not be anything you can do about this. Talk to your teachers and ask if you can retake any recent tests or quizzes, or do any extra credit work to bring your grades up. If they say no, you just have to try your hardest on all the assignments/tests you have left in the term and hope for the best.
  • Question
    I always tell myself that I should study but I always find my self unmotivated and procrastinating. I'm really worried about my grades and want to get them higher but I can't get myself to even try.
    Bhavyaa_study
    Community Answer
    Plan everything before you start. You can set a deadline for yourself, eliminate distractions like mobile phones, keep a track of everything you do. And keep checking your progress every week. That will make you feel motivated about what you have done in the previous week.
  • Question
    But what if I am too shy to ask a question or help from the teacher because I am afraid of what people might think? And my parents don't want to help me they want me to be independent.
    Haleigh Liriano
    Community Answer
    Ask them after class or email them. If your parents don't want to help you and you are still too shy to ask the teacher, then try going online and use tutoring sites.
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